Dan Marrs, a longtime Key West resident, passed away peacefully, with his wife by his side, early Wednesday morning, Dec. 5, 2012. Dan was a good, kind, honest man who loved life and fought a tough and courageous battle to the end. One of seven children, he was born in Detroit, Mich., on Nov. 28, 1947. He is survived by his beloved wife of 10 years, Cindy Morris, and daughters Carrie and Jenean Marrs. He is also survived by brothers Terry (Laurie) and David Marrs and sisters Cathy (Mark) Yarde and Theresa (Mike) Vandenbussche, who reside in Michigan, and many dear friends.

Dan grew up in Michigan, where he attended Catholic grade school, served as an altar boy and graduated from St. Ambrose High School in 1965. A star football player and one of the "Goodfellows" with the St. Ambrose Cavaliers, Dan went on to attend college in Colorado on a football scholarship before being called up to serve his country during the Vietnam War. He was fortunate enough to be stationed in Hawaii, where he met and married his first wife, Estella, mother of his two daughters. After his discharge, they moved to the Florida Keys and built one of the first homes on Azalea Drive in Key Haven. Dan was a store and then regional manager for several years for Zayre Department Stores before they went out of business, and most recently, for the last six years, helped manage the liquor store at Dons' Place. He loved sports of all types, particularly football, and his sports trivia knowledge was amazing. He was also a great animal lover who spoiled the family cats, Tigger, Dylan, Diesel, VanGogh and Cody, and always had treats ready and waiting for the many dogs who stopped by to visit him at the liquor store.

His wife, Cindy, extends a very special thanks to the owners of Dons' Place for all their generosity, kindness and help since Dan was diagnosed in August. The family also wishes to thank Drs. Harrell, Ahamad, Oldham and their staff for their care and compassion, the Rev. Stephen Braddock and the staff of VNA/Hospice for helping make Dan's last days as peaceful and comfortable as possible.

A local memorial service will be held sometime after the new year, and a family service will also be held in Michigan in June of next year.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in the name of Dan Marrs to the Florida Keys SPCA, 5230 College Road, Key West, FL 33040. The Dean-Lopez Funeral Home is entrusted with all funeral arrangements.